The Ondo State Police Command has dismantled a notorious four-man armed robbery gang responsible for a series of violent attacks and vehicle thefts across Akure, Owo, and neighbouring communities.
Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal disclosed this while briefing journalists in Akure on Sunday, highlighting the command’s achievements over the past two weeks.
Lawal explained that the gang was apprehended following an armed robbery case reported in Akure on June 27, during which a vehicle and other valuables were stolen.
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“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the command’s Tactical Intelligence and Response Squad (TIRS) tracked and apprehended two key suspects outside Ondo State,” he said.
“Subsequent intelligence breakthroughs led to the arrest of two additional members of the gang, including a suspected habitual receiver of stolen items.”
He added, “Preliminary findings indicate that the syndicate has been actively involved in a network specializing in car snatching and trafficking. So far, several stolen items, including a vehicle and several mobile devices, have been recovered.”
Lawal noted that investigations are ongoing to recover more stolen property and apprehend other collaborators, including “a suspected arms supplier currently at large.”
In another development, the commissioner revealed that the command successfully recovered livestock valued at N41 million, stolen by one Ali Garuba Muhammed, an employee of Fasua Oyeleye.
According to Lawal, the victim, Oyeleye, reported on July 1 that his employee had fled with 55 cattle and eight sheep/rams.
He said, “A swift response by the Anti-Kidnapping section led to the recovery of 22 stolen cows within 48 hours.”
Though the main suspect remains on the run, Lawal assured that efforts are underway to track him down and recover the remaining livestock.
“This operation is a testament to the capacity and responsiveness of the Police Command in Ondo State to tackle organised crime through strategic intelligence-led policing,” he said.
“The command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and assures residents that all criminal networks operating within the state will be relentlessly pursued and dismantled.”
